Post Operative Exercises

Postoperatively, when lymph nodes have been removed (mastectomy and/or lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy), it is very important to regain confidence and the ability to move your arm freely. Most of our cancer patients will see a physical therapist when they are seen at the Multidisciplinary Conference. This visit serves as a baseline, in case range of motion should be limited in the future. It is extremely important to be sure that patients regain their range of motion quickly following surgery.

Here are some relatively easy exercises that can be instituted within one week of most surgical procedures. Certainly, they should be gradually implemented. You may have some discomfort while performing these ‘moves’, however, if you have pain, you should stop.

Shoulder blade squeeze

Shoulder stretch

Side bend

Wand exercise

General Post Operative Instructions

1. A responsible adult must drive you home following your surgical procedure. Your surgery will be cancelled if you do not have a driver.

2. No driving for as long as oral narcotic pain medication is required.

3. Do not drink alcohol while taking narcotic pain medication.

4. Most wounds are covered with Dermabond or Histacryl. These are clear adhesive dressings. It does not glue the wound together, but, acts as a bandage. It will peel off (like a sunburn peel) within 10-14 days.

5. Many women find it more comfortable to wear a tight bra, even while sleeping. This is not mandatory, but may be helpful. A supportive bra may be given to you at the hospital; it is ok to switch to your own bra if more comfortable.

6. Your activities should be dictated by how you feel. No heavy lifting that requires two hands for 1 week. Light lifting is OK, as long as it doesn’t produce pain.

7. You will be given a prescription for pain medication, take this as directed. Use any type of laxative while using any narcotic pain medication, as they can cause sever constipation. You may use over the counter pain remedies such as Tylenol or Motrin if stronger pain medication is not necessary.

8. Sometimes a ‘drain’ tube is used, so fluid doesn’t accumulate in surgical cavities/spaces. Drain care is very important: keep the site clean; it is ok to shower with the drain tube in place. Change the dressing daily, to remove moisture from the drain site. Call the office with any questions.

“My husband and I want to thank you for your kindness during this difficult diagnosis of breast cancer. Even though this has been a slow process, I appreciate your professionalism and expertise in not taking any short cuts. I will be looking forward to working with you and your staff to get me through this (and be cured)! Any man can be a physician - but it takes someone special to be a Doctor. Thank you!”

-Wendy

“I first want to say thank you to all of you for making this bad experience a little brighter. You were all so nice, informative and made this journey a lot easier. Your office staff is awesome. Dr. Brown - I can’t thank you enough for your great work, bedside manner and you recommended great doctors to me. Thank you!”

-Suzanne

“I am not a ‘doctor person’ but you have made me feel so comfortable that you have taken the fear out of every visit. I am blessed to have you as my breast care giver.”

-Pat

“Over the past 12 years you have been such a blessing in our lives. Please know that our thanks could not be more heartfelt or sincere. We appreciate everything you have done in the past and are extremely grateful for the continuing medical care. You are an amazing person. Thank you again and again and again…”

-Mike & Sharon

“Through my misfortune of having cancer, I consider myself very fortunate to have you for my doctor. With you knowledge, kindness and sense of humor there was never a doubt in my mind that I was in very good hands. I cannot say enough great things about Sandy and your staff. I never had to worry about anything but showing up for the next appointment or procedure. Thanks for handling the details! Also, thank you for referring me to equally great doctors. You have touched my life and I am forever grateful!”

-Kim

"Because of your and your expertise and careing, I am here enjoying a much better year. Thank you again for the being the best "Doc" ever! Me and Bob won't rub in how much we are enjoying our two months in Florida :). See you soon!"

-Bob and Patti

"We consider you very valuable for all you do for us. Your planning with the best teams ... you are captain of the ship!"

-Rosemary W

"You obviously really care about your patients and follow up is really appreciated!"

-Linda K

"It is rare one finds a doctor so wholly suited to the medical profession: your hands saved my life and your kindness gave me the confidence to let them. God bless you."

-Martha R

"Thanks is such a little word but it has brought more real appreciation than a hundred words could say. Thanks most of all for just being you!"

-Aldona D

Thank you Dr. Brown and Sandy for the care and concern you have shown me, from the moment I walked in your office I was confident everything would be fine. My biopsy surgery..... I saw Dr. Brown he had a smile of encouragement on his face although I was extremely nervous and concerned I had to relax when I saw Dr. Brown. Although my process is just getting started I will continue to trust in the God given talents of my surgeon. My best to you and your staff!

-RC

"Words cannot begin to describe how comfortable and relaxed you made me feel during this time of my life. Your are an extremely passionate and caring doctor. I am deeply grateful for you! Thanks you."

-JD

"I am so grateful to have been referred to you and the Comprehensive Breast Care practice when I found out I needed cancer treatment. I can't say enough - to anyone I meet - about the amazing,, considerate, empathetic care I got as your patient! You have gone above and beyond to perfect the process of helping patients get through breast cancer - that is second to none! You are an amazing doctor and surgeon - but it is through your ability to reassure, encourage, empathize and TEACH that you shine so bright."

-LZ

"After reading the National Cancer Institutes study regarding Oncotype DX, I felt compelled to once again 'thank you' for having the inside to utilize this test for me over 21/2 years ago. When the result was right in the middle and I was ver hesitant to undergo chemo, you went a step further and ordered a Mammaprint the happily indicated that chemo would not be needed. I so appreciate your intellect, compassion and professionalism and once again want to offer you my heartfelt thank you for all you do!!"

-JW

Thank you so much for going "above and beyond" for me. Your skill as a surgeon saved my life. Your compassion saved my spirit during one of the most frightening times of my life.

-SK

Dr. Brown, thank you so very much for all that you've done to help me. I can't imagine having to go through this without such kind support. Now I know why my friends were so happy to hear that you were my surgeon Dr. Brown! May God bless you and yours.

-HS

We walked into your office with very little information or explanation ... we were scared and nervous to say the least. As soon as Dr. Gold entered the room and started speaking, the fears and anxiety started to fade. Dr. Gold is not only extremely knowledgeable in her field of expertise, but her interaction with us was very professional yet very personal. Dr. Gold spent a lot of time with us explaining the cancer, options for treatment, and outlined the next steps. We have never had such a good experience with any doctor!

-VB

As a second time patient I really want to thank you all for truly making me feel at ease and cared for. It is good to be appreciated and I do appreciate you and your team Dr. Gold Thank you!

-TK

I can't thank you enough Dr. Brown and Sandy for being so kind and compassionate. I had bilateral breast CA eight years ago. It was so hard to accept and just a few days after my lumpectomy, my father died which added to the sadness and stress of the cancer. It was such a terrible time in my life but thanks to Dr. Brown and Sandy, I got through it and did very well. Without their kind and caring approach and their sense of humor and also the willingness to arrange everything for me, I wouldn't have been able to get through i

-WC

Good doctors like you replace the fear of illness with trust in recovery. Thanks.